Question

When and where did the oldest known fossil species of Homo appear? What is its scientific name? Mention any one feature in which this species showed improvement over Australopithecus.

Answer 1

The oldest known fossil species of Homo appeared about 1.6 to 1.8 million years ago in East Africa. Its scientific name is Homo habilis.

One feature in which Homo habilis showed improvement over Australopithecus is its ability to make and use tools. Homo habilis was capable of making tools of stone pebbles, which it used for hunting and defense, indicating more advanced cognitive and motor skills compared to Australopithecus, which was primarily a herbivore and lacked such tool-making abilities.